Lithic Economy of Epiclassic Los Mogotes

Summary

This study examines the flaked stone economy at the Epiclassic site of Los Mogotes, located north of the Basin of Mexico in central Mexico. We quantified obsidian and chert artifacts based on form and material in order to examine the nature of the lithic economy during this time. The findings suggest that the inhabitants of Los Mogotes were not primary producers of obsidian tools but were dependent on long-distance exchange for already manufactured goods. Despite being closer to high quality obsidian sources in Pachuca, Hidalgo, Los Mogotes relied on grey obsidian from sources located farther away (such as Ucareo, Michoacan). The lack of evidence of primary obsidian production suggests a down-the-line model of exchange of obsidian tools, many of which were later reworked into secondary or tertiary items. This pattern contrasts with evidence of primary production using more locally available chert. These findings conform to broader regional trends observed at contemporaneous sites during this time. Our interpretations focus on how the broader political economy shaped access to resources and the institutions necessary for their distribution.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 83rd Annual Meeting, Washington, DC (2018)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 21837